Rüppell’s Fox

Rüppell's fox (Vulpes rueppellii), also called Rüppell's sand fox, is a fox species living in desert and semi-desert regions of North Africa, the Middle East, and southwestern Asia. It has been listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2008. It is named after the German naturalist Eduard Rüppell. == Taxonomy == The sister species of Rüppell's fox is the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). For mitochondrial DNA, Rüppell's fox is nested inside the genetic lineages of the red fox, called paraphyly. This may have been caused by a recent divergence of Rüppell's fox from the red fox lineage, or by incomplete lineage sorting, or introgression of mitochondrial DNA between the two species. Based on fossil record evidence, the last scenario seems most likely, which is further supported by the clear ecological and morphological differences between the two species. == Description == Rüppell's fox is a small fox, measuring 66 to 74 cm (26 to 29 in) in total length, including a tail measuring 27–30 cm (11–12 in) long. There is no pronounced sexual dimorphism, but males appear slightly larger than females. Both sexes are reported to have an average weight of 1.7 kg (3.7 lb). Their coat is…